Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland emphasized Canada’s border security following U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s vow to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. Freeland assured Canadians that borders are “safe and secure” and reinforced that Canada controls who enters the country.
With concerns of a potential increase in migrants fleeing north, Peel Regional Police and RCMP have been preparing for months, readying additional resources to manage possible border crossings. However, Abdulla Daoud, executive director of The Refugee Centre in Montreal, suggested that fears of a large-scale migration are exaggerated, noting that policy changes typically unfold gradually.
Trump’s election may also influence the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with Trump pledging to end the war in 24 hours, prompting mixed reactions globally. Freeland noted that decisions should focus on Ukrainian voices, commending Ukraine’s resilience in the face of adversity.
Ukrainian Canadian Congress officials voiced hope that U.S. support for Ukraine will remain strong under Trump’s leadership, given the bipartisan commitment to countering Russia’s aggression.